Since a number of years, the water sector of Moldova is undergoing reforms with mixed results. While some improvements have been achieved in upgrading the legal framework and its approximation to the EU standards, the overall situation remains difficult. The water sector is institutionally fragmented, operationally weak and has a dilapidated infrastructure. As a result, Provision of safe drinking water and sanitation is a problem. A government-led roll-out of SDC promoted models has not taken place yet. There is a need to actively involve sector stakeholders and public authorities as leaders in planning, financing, construction, and operation of watet and sanitation systems.

The rural population in Moldova has sustainable access to safe drinking water and environmental sanitation.

Target groups are the institutions of the water and sanitation sector at the national, district and local level, including the Water Users Associations, to which the elaborated models will be handed over. Ultimate beneficiaries are the population in the rural areas and small towns which will have access to better services. Geographically, the project will continue to aim at the entire country, including Gagauzia and Transnistria.

Objective: Moldovan institutions at all levels respond to the needs tor water supply and sanitation services of the rural population, including the most vulnerable.

• National level institutions plan investments, fund water supply and sanitation infrastructure, and provide technical assistance to rural municipalities for implementation and Operation
• Small local and multimunicipal/regional operators provide water and sanitation services of adequate quality to rural communities
• Relevant actors (sector specialists, educational & research institutions, national funds, etc.) apply innovative solutions that address technical, managerial and inclusiveness issues for rural water supply and sanitation

Results from previous phases:  

SDC decentralized water supply and sanitation models have been otficially incorporated into the national policy documents as viable solutions tor rural areas. The new technology and management solutions promoted by SDC are fully documented and ready for nation-wide replication. Local stakeholders are enabled to independently manage and sustainably operate water and sanitation systems through active involvement of local public authorities and community engagement. The 26 water users associations run efficiently water systems. The monitoring and quality assurance developed by the project enabled to downsize the infrastructure unit costs by 40% and to use allocated funds more efficiently. More than 40'000 people from 35 villages have access to safe drinking water and about 20'000 people from 56 villages to improved sanitation. The geographical area of SDC interventions was extended to 15 districts (out of 32).

Phase 3 01.06.2015 - 30.09.2019   (Completed)